Every roof has a lot to bear at times, but flat roofs face a particular set of challenges. Throw in the snow, freezing rain, and other unpredictable weather we’re hit with in the Massachusetts – Connecticut region, and you have a potentially serious problem on your hands.
Fortunately, the roofing professionals at Vanguard understand the challenges your building faces, and we’re here to help. Here’s how snow and ice could potentially harm your roof and what you can do to avoid it.
Snow Problems on Flat Roofs
While all roofs get snowed on, sloped roofs like you see on houses are usually pretty good at shedding their load. Flat roofs, on the other hand, tend to simply accumulate snow until it melts. This can cause major problems for schools, hospitals, and all other commercial and industrial buildings.
The weight of all the snow and ice alone can be cause for concern. Snowstorms in the Massachusetts – Connecticut region frequently drop a foot or more of snow. This weight can cause roofs to sag, leak, and ultimately fail.
Additional problems are introduced when the snow melts and has nowhere to go or melts and then freezes again creating a solid block of ice. This creates a situation in which roof leaks are almost inevitable. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent damage to your roof.
Flat Roof Solutions
To avoid roof damage due to snow and ice, your greatest ally can be a roofing contractor who understands the specific challenges faced by commercial roofs in our part of the country. You need to work with someone who understands snow load and can evaluate your roof so you know how much weight it can handle. It’s also important to:
- Make sure your roof is well insulated, to avoid heat escape which leads to a cycle of melting and re-freezing.
- Have your roof maintained regularly to keep it free of leaks. Make sure the drainage system is clear and functional so meltwater can run off when needed.
- Have professionals on standby for snow and ice removal. When a bad storm drops more snow and ice than your roof can handle, prompt removal is crucial to avoid roof damage.
Vanguard has proudly served the NorthEast roof needs since 1972. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your roof safe and secure through all the changing seasons.
